What would you do if your skin condition in teen years would have isolated you from the world for years? Isolation- which is so bad that your family members only see you with disgust and contempt! And let’s just ignore the bullying you would bear at school because of the horrible skin texture you have got.
You could end up in a mental hospital or grave after a successful attempt at suicide.
If you are stronger, you might end up facing your fears and living with yourself lovingly.
Or if you are James Altucher, you would turn your biggest fear into your biggest power. You would accept the uncertainty lying in people’s behavior and become invincible refusing to give your power to them and claiming back your power over them.
And you know this that you are empowered and life is nothing but an elongated roller coaster ride. You stop believing in the false sense of security and start enjoying life as it is- with all the chaos it throws at you.
Who is James Altucher?
You would know him as a (I must say, well-known) podcaster, writer, entrepreneur, and investor. I remember him as an avid advocate of sharing economy. (Can you believe it, he only owns 15 things!) But that’s the story of another time!
So, what would you do if you suffer from severe social anxiety because of harsh circumstances in your teen and a few failed ventures in life? You would go out and start an early morning show at HBO (even when you had a regular office job). Yes, you heard it right! To battle his social anxiety, he knew he had to meet people. He needed to create interesting interactions. And what’s the best time to find interesting people than 3 in the morning?
Soon he was out of job, out of business (his first business), and out of cash. After two more downfalls and a heartbreak, he has now grown another fortune for himself. I say another because surely hundred fortunes waiting for the financially adventurous guy like James.
Okay! So, we have talked enough about James’ struggles and resetting nature (fun fact: his first company was named Reset!), now let’s consider what he has accomplished so far.
Thriving Holistic Health!
James mentions in one of his articles how he struggled with addiction for ten long years. But now he is in the final stages of getting rid of it. But that addiction is not a big deal. The big deal is the healthy lifestyle he got out of his addiction. Yes, now he believes that he is healthier than he ever was in his life.
He is a Great Dad!
If health is the signal of success for any human, relations are the signal of happiness. And Altucher wins at both fronts. He enjoys a loving relationship with his kids. And these relationships are a result of his commitment to his children’s lives and interests.
And, after two divorces (and lots of lessons in between), he now enjoys life with Robyn Samuels since 2019.
He Lives Life!
James believes in living every moment of life. He believes in facing fears and making them part of your story.
Stagnation, for him, is the worst enemy. And stagnation is the sibling of certainty and stability. After being on a financial rollercoaster for quite a few times in past decades, James will tell you one important thing and that is the ability to bounce back is real wealth. Period.
Still, He is Rich!
Yes, wealth is only a story (in James’ dictionary). But this epiphany doesn’t stop James from being a millionaire. So, between his book sales, businesses, and stock and crypto investments, James Altucher has a net worth of $50 million. Sounds lucrative?
What Lessons We Gain from James Altucher!
Well, there are only a few (all from his books):
Choose yourself!
Reinvent yourself!
The power of no! and
The power of ask!
So, what do you think about the most interesting man in the world (who happens to be a renowned chess player!)?
Share your thoughts.
